AICP Urban Planning Exam 2026: 287 Practice Questions and Correct Answers

AICP Urban Planning Exam 2026: 287 Practice Questions and
Correct Answers



Question 1.
Descriptive Research.
Correct Answer: Provides factual picture/diagrams (demographics, land use,
traffic). Planning: existing conditions reports in comprehensive plans.

Question 2.
Explanatory/Analytical Research.
Correct Answer: Seeks cause/effect (e.g. TOD reduces VMT). Planning: evaluate
effectiveness of zoning or policies.

Question 3.
Experimental/Quasi-Experimental Designs.
Correct Answer: Randomized experiments vs. before and after or matched pairs.
Planning: road diet or pilot project evaluations.

Question 4.
Rational Comprehensive Theory.
Correct Answer: (Faludi) Structured, step by step decision making; emphasizes
analysis and data. Planning: foundational but critiqued for ignoring politics and
uncertainty.

Question 5.
Incrementalism. AAAE ACE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL AIRPORT Exam
Correct Answer: (Charles Lindblom) "Muddling through" small changes rather
than big plans. Planning: common in real-world local politics; protects against
large errors but preserves the status quo.

Question 6.
Mixed Scanning.
Correct Answer: (Amitai Etzioni) Combines broad strategic review with
incremental; steps. Planning: useful in comprehensive plan updates with phased
actions.

Question 7.
Advocacy Planning.
Correct Answer: (Paul Davidoff) Pluralism and representation; planners advocate
for underrepresented groups. Planning: basis for equity- focused planning and
community engagement.

Question 8.
Equity Planning.
Correct Answer: (Norman Krumholz) Redistribute resources to marginalized
populations. Planning: shaped Cleveland planning in the 1970's; inspires modern
equity practice.

,Question 9.
Communicative/Collaborative Planning.
Correct Answer: (Jurgen Habermas, Patsy Healey, John Forester) Concensus
building, deliberative democracy, communication as a core of planning. Planning:
charrettes, collaborative governance, participatory budgeting.

Question 10.
Transactive Planning.
Correct Answer: (John Friedmann) Planner learns through direct interaction with
the public. Planning: Bottom-up learning; strong in community development
practice.

Question 11.
City Beautiful Movement.
Correct Answer: (Daniel Burnham) 1890's-1900's; emphasized monumental
design, civic centers, axial boulevards. Planning: influences Washington D.C. plan
and Chicago's 1909 plan.

Question 12.
Garden City Movement.
Correct Answer: (Ebenezer Howard) Late 1800's: self-contained towns with
greenbelts and balanced land uses. Planning: influenced New Towns, Letchworth,
and Columbia, MD.

Question 13.
Neighborhood Unit.
Correct Answer: (Clarence Perry) 1920's: design based on walkable
neighborhoods, elementary schools at the center. Planning: foundation for zoning
of residential neighborhoods.

Question 14.
Regionalism.
Correct Answer: (Patrick Geddes, Lewis Mumford) Planning at regional scale,
integrating environment and economy. Planning: inspired metropolitan planning
and regional governance.

Question 15.
New Urbanism.
Correct Answer: (CNU, Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk) 1990's movement:
mixed use, walkable, human scale design. Planning: form based codes, Seaside
FL, SmartCode.

Question 16.
Smart Growth.
Correct Answer: (EPA Principles) 1990's-2000's: compact development, TOD,

,open space preservation, housing mix. Planning

Question 17.
Police Power.
Correct Answer: Authority of states/local governments to regulate health, safety,
morals, and welfare. Planning: legal basis for zoning and land use regulation.

Question 18.
Due Process (Procedural).
Correct Answer: Notice and hearing. Planning: zoning hearings and adoption of
ordinances must meet due process.

Question 19.
Due Process (Substantive).
Correct Answer: Law must serve public purpose. Planning: zoning hearings and
adoption of ordinances must meet due process.

Question 20.
Equal Protection.
Correct Answer: Required similarly situated individuals treated alike; triggers
scrutiny for suspect classes. Planning: applies to housing, zoning, and
anti-discrimination cases.

Question 21.
Regulatory Takings.
Correct Answer: when a government action results in a reduction in the value of
private property; such instances are usually not subject to compensation under
the Constitution, unless most of the value of property is destroyed. Planning:
sets limits on zoning, exactions, and regulations.

Question 22.
Physical Takings.
Correct Answer: Use of eminent domain; Govt occupation of property and the
taking of the title to property. Planning: sets limits on zoning, exactions, and
regulations.

Question 23.
Nollan/Dolan/Koontz Tests.
Correct Answer: Exactions must meet essential nexus and rough proportionality;
applies to monetary conditions (Koontz). Planning: guides impact fees, conditions
of approval.

Question 24.
Systems Thinking.
Correct Answer: Interconnectedness of land use, transportation, housing,

, environment, economy, equity, and health. Planning: identify co-benefits (e.g.
green infrastructure) and tradeoffs (e.g. TOD + Displacement risk).

Question 25.
Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation.
Correct Answer: 1. manipulation

Question 26.
therapy


Question 27.
informing


Question 28.
consultation


Question 29.
placation


Question 30.
partnership


Question 31.
delegated power


Question 32.
citizen control Highlights degrees of public power. Planning: helps evaluate the depth of
participations (Inform vs. empower).


Question 33.
IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.
Correct Answer: Levels: Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, Empower.
Planning: guide for matching engagement techniques to goals.

Question 34.
Public Meetings & Hearings.
Correct Answer: Formal venues often required by law; may not be inclusive.
Planning: ensure notice, accessibility, interpreters if needed.

Question 35.
Workshops & Charrettes.
Correct Answer: Interactive, design-focused sessions encouraging collaborations.
planning: effective for neighborhood or corridor plans.